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Cuomo announces $3.1 million for Albany Skyway park

Amanda Fries| on
March 6, 2018

A view of the ramp from Quay Street, on the left in photo, and the ramp from Interstate 787 north, that come together to exit onto Clinton Ave., seen here on Monday, March 5, 2018, in Albany, N.Y. A proposed park idea would turn the ramp from Quay Street into a park. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) less

A view of the ramp from Quay Street, on the left in photo, and the ramp from Interstate 787 north, that come together to exit onto Clinton Ave., seen here on Monday, March 5, 2018, in Albany, N.Y. A proposed ... more

A view of the ramp from Quay Street, on the left in photo, and the ramp from Interstate 787 north, that come together to exit onto Clinton Ave., seen here on Monday, March 5, 2018, in Albany, N.Y. A proposed park idea would turn the ramp from Quay Street into a park. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) less

A view of the ramp from Quay Street, on the left in photo, and the ramp from Interstate 787 north, that come together to exit onto Clinton Ave., seen here on Monday, March 5, 2018, in Albany, N.Y. A proposed ... more

ALBANY — Capital city residents and officials have long bemoaned the disconnect between Albany's downtown and the Hudson River waterfront, but a $3.1 million state boost for a proposed Skyway Project could help bridge the barrier.

The funding announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday would help complete the preliminary design and begin construction on converting an underused I-787 ramp downtown into a linear park with pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists, plus landscaping and places to sit.

The ramp exits Quay Street on 787's northbound side and curves underneath an elevated portion of the expressway before looping south and merging with a southbound ramp off to Clinton Avenue.

The project will cover a half mile of the loop and connect the Corning Preserve with downtown. Where it merges with the much busier Clinton Avenue ramp, barriers will separate vehicles from pedestrians and cyclists.

“The $3.1 million is a tremendous commitment from the state that will really serve as the foundation of moving the project forward beyond the feasibility and design phase,” said Sarah Regenelli, president of Capitalize Albany Corporation, the city’s economic development arm, which is overseeing the project.

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Capitalize Albany currently is working with the engineering firm Stantec on the initial design, which will also include Albany resident input. The feasibility and initial design is being funded through a $375,000 grant awarded in 2016 through the Regional Economic Development Council process.

The state Department of Transportation, which is administering the $3.1 million, will complete the project design and manage the initial stage of construction, which is expected to get underway by fall 2019, with major project completion by late 2020.

Officials are seeking public feedback on what residents envision for a waterfront connector and linear park, with the first public engagement meeting set for Thursday at Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center. They're also taking comments through a public survey.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 5, 2018, announced $3.1 million in funding for the Albany Skyway project, which would convert an underused Interstate 787 exit ramp into a linear park. Here’s what that stretch of roadway looked like on March 6, 2018. (Amanda Fries / Times Union)

Media: Times Union

Regenelli said they want to get inspiration from the community to create the right design. Total cost of the project also is in flux, and will be determined once a preliminary design is finalized, she added.

“I think the city wants to work with DOT to move the project forward and find a way that makes sense for the community,” Regenelli said, adding that the timing of the work as well as the cost of construction and upkeep need to be addressed. Potential ways for the structure to earn revenue will also be explored.

Supporters hope the project will stimulate economic development in the surrounding area, much like High Line Park, a linear park built on an abandoned freight viaduct in lower Manhattan, did for the neighborhoods on either side.

"By supporting the construction of this exciting project, New York is providing additional opportunities for residents and visitors to reach the Hudson River and enjoy the region's natural beauty," Cuomo said in a news release. "Elevated parks attract walkers, runners and cyclists, while boosting tourism in surrounding communities, and with the addition of this new attraction, we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Capital Region to experience the Skyway for years to come."

The connector will be sited just north of the Hudson River Way pedestrian walkway that opened in 2002, linking the Corning Preserve and Broadway near Maiden Lane – the site of the city’s Live at Five concerts.

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Capitalize Albany Corporation is hosting a public engagement session for residents to voice their input on the proposed Albany Skyway Project.